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Allegations of Financial Mismanagement Rock Fort Belknap Indian Community’s Revenue Backbone
Colorado Attorney Jennifer Weddle and Greenberg Traurig LLP Face Lawsuit
A longstanding legal representative for a critical revenue-generating entity within the Fort Belknap Indian Community is now at the center of a lawsuit. The suit alleges that Jennifer Weddle, a Colorado-based attorney, and her firm, Greenberg Traurig LLP, played a significant role in the alleged financial mismanagement of the company. These allegations have led to deep divisions within the community, placing hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars at risk in northern Montana.
The Lawsuit Unveiled
Island Mountain Development Group (IMDG), along with five Fort Belknap tribal council members, filed a lawsuit in federal court in Great Falls on Monday. In this legal action, they claim that Jennifer Weddle and her firm were involved in civil conspiracy and professional negligence, breached their fiduciary duties, and caused emotional distress to the council members.
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A Complex Series of Events
This lawsuit is just one episode in a more extensive series of events across the United States. It also follows a takeover of the development corporation by the tribal council, a move motivated by concerns about the company’s management, financial practices, and communication with the board. This takeover occurred during a highly contentious January 19th Fort Belknap tribal council meeting, where five council members, including the president, voted to remove the IMDG board of directors and appoint sitting council members to the interim board.
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The Backbone of the Fort Belknap Community
IMDG, the focal point of these allegations, serves as the economic development company for Fort Belknap. Its revenue comprises approximately three-quarters of the reservation’s non-federal budget. Additionally, IMDG acts as a parent company for the tribe’s short-term lending, construction, and real estate ventures.
In response to these allegations, Joey Kaiser of Greenberg Traurig stated on Monday evening that the firm had recently received a copy of the complaint and would be premature to comment.
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